The Kingston Bay Trail receives green light to commence
The next leg of the Bay Trail, from Mentone to Rennison Street in Parkdale, has been given the green light to commence following an agreement with VicRoads to share the cost of resurfacing works on Beach Road. Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said that this was one of the agreements that Council has been waiting for, to get started on works to complete the long-awaited Bay Trail project.
"At the 10 December Council Meeting, Council voted in favour of appointing a contractor to complete the Bay Trail, but the scope of works did not include the cost to resurface the road," said Cr Oxley. "VicRoads had originally requested that the City to spend approximately $1.4 million on resurfacing works but we didn't believe it was the most appropriate use of rate payers' money and agreed to advocate against this cost."
Council and VicRoads have since reached an agreement to share the cost and the project has received approval from the state. "This is a great outcome for everyone in the community and will ensure there is a safe road, off-road cycling and walking path available for everyone, next to the foreshore," said Cr Oxley.
At the May 27 Ordinary Council Meeting, it was agreed that the previous contract approved in December 2018 would be amended, to allow for a new contract to be signed to get construction underway.
Kingston Council resolved to award a $5.15 million contract to complete the next section of the Bay Trail, with a 10 per cent contingency fund of $515,544 in case of unexpected financial variations.
"After 25 years of talk, Kingston is 100% committed to finally build the Bay Trail path filling in a significant missing section between Port Melbourne and Seaford. This will give young and inexperienced cyclists an alternative to riding along busy Beach Road," said Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley.
"Our plan meets all VicRoads and Australian safety standards, is supported by Bicycle Network Victoria as safe for cyclists and provides plenty of parking while protecting the most environmentally significant areas of vegetation."
Over the coming months Council will consult with the community about what they'd like to see included in the Bay Trail social and cultural path. Details of the consultation will be available soon on yourkingstonyoursay.com.au
